With just six months to go until the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, a group of enthusiastic veterans gathered in Canberra over the weekend at the world class Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) facilities, in hopes of being selected from Team Australia. 

Hailing from all parts of the country, each veteran was driven by a desire to utilise the Adaptive Sport Program (ASP) to aid their recovery and rehabilitation journey. Through the power of sport, we saw the veterans gaining value from the connections and camaraderie felt through participating at the camp. A connection they may not have experienced outside of a military environment before.  

JOURNEY TO SELECTION

A group of nearly 40 current and former serving personnel were invited to this selection camp. Participants were chosen from the ASP, which the Australian Defence Force and Invictus Australia partner on to deliver. The ASP sets out to inspire, motivate and demonstrate how the power of sport can be used as an integral tool in the recovery and rehabilitation of current and former serving military personnel.   

The ADF and Invictus Australia partner to deliver Team Australia for both the Invictus and Warrior Games.  

INVICTUS GAMES Core sports in focus

The camp centered around five core sports: wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, indoor rowing, and swimming, all of which will be on display at the upcoming Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. The mix of team and individual sports were selected to expose the group to some of the challenges and opportunities of competing in a multi-sport games.

For many of the veterans, it had been years since they had tried some of the sports on offer, and for some, it was their first time, but the entire group were able to get in there and support each other to build skills and show their resilience.  

“Today was the first time getting into the pool to swim in probably 20 years,” Sue Osborn. ASP applicant 

According to Adam Pine, Director of Teams and Events at Invictus Australia, the camp gave the veterans a good chance to showcase their skills, values and to be exposed to new sports.  “The level of camaraderie and determination displayed by the veterans at the camp was a true testament to the power of sport in improving wellbeing. It was evident from the outset that these individuals were not only physically capable but also possessed an unwavering drive and sense of resilience. The competitive spirit combined with the supportive environment the competitors built created an atmosphere that is essential for building a connected team.” 

With the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 featuring winter sports, the AIS provided facilities for competitors to virtually hit the slopes. The attendees got to have a go on the skeleton and alpine skiing simulators in the AIS’ visitor centre and, although they only slightly mimic the new sports to be featured in Canada, the activity was a moment of laughter and fun for the group.   

Forging Bonds, Building camaraderie

Beyond the competitive arena, the camp fostered camaraderie through shared experiences, mutual respect, and a collective goal. These bonds, forged through sport, will undoubtedly strengthen the final team’s cohesion and see many friendships continue to grow beyond the Invictus Games. 

“Witnessing the supportive nature of all attendees at this camp really highlighted the opportunities possible through engaging in sport,” said Anne Rutlidge, Assistant Team Manager. “The camp was more than just a selection process; it was a chance to celebrate resilience through the power of sport.”  

A Legacy Beyond the Games

While the ultimate goal of the camp was to select the team for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, the impact extends far beyond the bounds of this program. Many participants are already actively involved in sports within their local communities and will continue to do so, regardless of their selection for the team.

Now, armed with a new understanding of adaptive sports, and the sporting opportunities beyond the Games available to them, the group is now empowered to explore and pursue their sporting passions, regardless of whether they are selected for the team. 

About the Invictus games vancouver whistler 2025

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will be held from the 8^th to 16^th of February in 2025. This global sporting event brings together wounded, injured, and ill servicemen and women from around the world to compete in a variety of adaptive sports. This Games is the first ever Winter Hybrid Games, and will feature alpine skiing and snowboarding, nordic skiing, biathlon, skeleton and wheelchair curling. These new winter sports will join the five core sports returning: indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming and wheelchair rugby. The Games aim to inspire and empower veterans through sport, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.  

Pathways Beyond the ASP

There are limited positions available for Team Australia, so unfortunately, many who apply will miss out on involvement in the ASP.  

However, Invictus Australia encourages and supports all individuals who apply to re-commence or continue their journey toward life-long participation in sport. We facilitate this in local communities with grassroots sporting opportunities overseen by a team of frontline staff, all with a defence connection – our Veteran Engagement Managers. Opportunities include competitions, adventure challenges, participation, volunteering, refereeing and many other avenues. 

We encourage all in the defence community to follow their local Invictus Australia Facebook Group that promotes activities in their area, plus sign up to receive a monthly e-newsletter to stay across Invictus Australia news.   
 

Our Veteran Engagement team runs events such as these across the country each day. To keep up to date with what is happening in your area, join your local Facebook group. 

• ACT Local Facebook group
• SA Local Facebook group
• Sth East QLD Facebook group
• Nth QLD Facebook group
• Nth NSW Local Facebook group
• NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook group
• Victoria Facebook group
• WA Facebook group
• TAS Facebook group

About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia encourages veterans and their families to connect and engage with their communities through sport. Whether participating or volunteering at grassroots level, to competing internationally at an Invictus or Warrior Games, Invictus Australia leverages the power of sport to proactively foster good health and aid in recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. Invictus Australia promotes the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport for all, and shine a light on the unique needs of younger veterans, particularly the challenges associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.